Mandana was enjoying all the attention and recognition she was getting from everyone at the party. You couldn't blame her for feeling special, she deserved the praise and appreciation, which was due to sheer hard work. She won thousands of hearts with her stint in the Reality show followed by the success of her movie. She had always been a dreamer and believed that she would make it big in the entertainment industry one day..and now everything was working out for her, just the way she had hoped, yet there was something that had happened unexpectedly, she had found herself caught up in a unforeseen complication.
Mandana had now met most of the contestants at the party and had some interesting conversations with many people. She could see people grouped together in small crowds enjoying themselves but her eyes only searched for that one special person. She could sense his presence and the mere thought of him made her heart flutter. "Mandana!" Came a voice from behind "Raju Anand" the voice continued as mandana turned around. A lanky, skinny man stood with his hand forward waiting for a handshake as she turned around. Mandana extended her hand and shook his hand waiting for him to say a little more about himself. "I've been running back and forth to get hold of you for an interview," he continued excitedly, finally releasing her hand.
"Errrm," laughed mandana "Actuallyy," she said emphasising the word "the last few days have been so hectic that I'm not getting time for myself," realising that he was a media person. The man got her engrossed in a conversation and discussed dates with her for an interview. The conversation was cut short when someone interesting had caught her eye, she pushed pass the lanky man saying "excuse me" as politely as she could. Her eyes had finally rooted him out and were fixated on him, she had only seen him from the back but instantly knew it was him. She had tortured herself enough and could no longer bear the pain of separation. "Rishabh" she shouted above the loud music hoping he would hear her. He was only a few yards away but she felt desperate and raced closer to him. He stopped and drew his eyebrows together, glancing over his shoulder as quickly as he could. He not only recognised, but was yearning to hear that voice call his name in that seductive accent. the music grew louder and It felt like a silence had descended upon them as they both came face to face. Unknowingly, they gazed into each other's eyes as if they were seeing each other for the first time in years. There was a sweet longing and desire which they both recognised in each other's eyes. Both searched for answers in each other's eyes to the questions they were both afraid to ask one another. Rishabh was desperately trying to break eye contact with those soft eyes that had him captivated, he felt his mouth quiver and couldn't say a word.
He leaned forward to give her a hug, but couldn't help feel intoxicated by the fragrance coming from her, and was almost about to plant a kiss on her soft rosy cheeks, but stopped in his tracks recalling how she had reacted to him kissing her when he and Rochelle were leaving the big boss house for the day. He pulled himself back and looked at her sheepishly as if she had read his mind.
"Good to see you, how are you?" she stammered, like a little girl. She felt shy and could feel her heart racing the moment his body touched hers. The closeness of him made her feel all jittery as she inhaled his attractive aftershave sent. How she felt warmth and wanted to just melt in those arms. He gave her a crooked smile,
I'm way too emotional and you are way too heartless he thought too himself, recalling the time she had told one of the housemates that she used him and his friendship for the game. Only, he wasn't aware that she had deliberately conveyed that message to him because she was too much of a coward when it came to being unpleasant to him. On the contrary it would be easier for her to be on the receiving end of his hostility which is why she did what she did.
What was the point in even saying anything to her about how he felt, Rishabh thought, it's not like she would understand, she would just be insensitive and cause him more pain like she always did. "Well, I'm here," he shrugged "so what's your next wish" he said trying to sound quirky, his smile had broadened and the extra tooth coming through his gum above his premolar made him look like a mischievous little boy. Humour was the best way for him to protect himself and the only defence that could conceal his distress. However, lately, he was sure that even the humour weapon was no longer effective and felt as if his feelings were becoming more transparent.
"H'mm, I miss everyone and I'm so happy to see you all again" what she really wanted to say is 'I'm missing you like hell ever since we parted ways, and haven't stopped thinking about you.' Only if she could just pour her heart out to him, and tell him that the hostility he always felt from her was an intentional effort as it was the only way of masking her true emotions and surviving in the Bigg boss house. She was all out to play the victim in the house and had almost succeeded until she crossed paths with him in the house. She couldn't help but feel drawn to his childlike, friendly nature who just wanted to spread love within people around him. He accepted her and her rude behaviour and didn't protest like the others in the house did. She sighed and accepted she wasn't brave enough nor did she have the courage to say all that to him. She noticed he was avoiding eye contact with her which saddened her even further. She waited with baited breath for him to say something, hoping he would read between the lines of what she was actually trying to say. Swiftly came a reply "Mere bare mein zayada mat sochna dil mein atta hoo smajh mein nehi" pointing his right index finger to his temple with a cheeky smile.
He wanted to kick himself for using a cliche, but it was the only way he could protect himself and stop himself from becoming
vulnerable in front of her. she was making him go weak in the knees and was making him lose his senses. What made it worse was that he knew that nothing could ever happen between them. She had made it loud and clear several times in the house that she was committed to her boyfriend Gaurav. It was one of her qualities Rishabh adored about her the most, she was reliably truthful and loyal to her loved ones. There were ample opportunities in the bigg boss house and if she wanted to get involved in a fake Relationship to benefit her game with the other contestants then there was no one stopping her. Yet, despite being surrounded by loved up couples who were making full use of such opportunities, she didn't feel the need to stoop low and put her dignity on line, it just wasn't her style! She was in a committed relationship. However, it was a different matter that not many knew that her relationship with Gaurav was in trouble and was coming to a inevitable end. One thing she was certain about that it would be an amicable breakup between them and they would remain friends.
Rishabh's aloof but pleasant behaviour towards her made her heart ache. She herself wasn't sure what she was wanting or expecting from him. In her hearts of hearts she knew it was impossible for them to be together. She still had unfinished business with Gaurav and she wasn't going to pursue anything with Rishabh until she had formally ended with Gaurav. But again, the question was what did Rishabh feel about her. There were rumours doing the rounds that he was getting to know a girl who he was not in love with as yet, but there was potential. Was it best she kept her feelings to herself and continue to mask them with an icy exterior like she had been. It was an effective defence to defend herself and keep her emotions at bay.
Before any further words could be exchanged between them, Mandana was dragged to the dance floor by some guy "sorry bro" he shouted looking towards Rishabh as he grabbed her hand and pulled her away from him to dance to some inane song.
Anger surged up in her as the guy pulled her away, she almost felt as if she was out of control. She had never felt so helpless like this before but she complied with the guy. Rishabh just watched her being pulled away, a part of him wanted to scream his lungs out and shout to leave her, but what was the point.
Rishabh told himself he was just wasting his time, why would she be interested in him out of all people. It was a little odd for Rishabh to be underestimating himself because on the reality show his self confidence and assurance was his plus point, from which he drew his energy from.
He was known as the 'people's champion' and 'winner of hearts' which gave him so much pride but simultaneously it served as a reminder that he couldn't win the one heart he desired the most.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
